Thursday, October 27, 2011

Running For Stefanie

Last weekend, I ran a 5k to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research.  The run was called Step Up For Stefanie.  Stefanie Spielman was the wife of Ohio State Football and Detroit Lions great, Chris Spielman.  Stefanie lost her long and very public battle with breast cancer not so long ago.  The morning that I found out that her battle was over, I was on the treadmill and I began to cry.  I cried for a woman I never knew.  I cried for her young children that would meet many of life's milestones without their mother there to encourage them.  I cried for a man who'd not only lost his wife, but undoubtedly, his best friend.  I cried for the future breast cancer patients that would never know Stefanie and hear her ever-present optimism for finding a cure to this terrible disease.


So that is why, even though I am not a runner and I have run in only one other 5k in my life, I took about two seconds to decide to run in this race.  I asked Kevin to take the day off work so he could watch the kids and allow me to do this.  There are some things I think about doing and then there are things that I do.


Chris Spielman addressed the more than 4,000 participants in the 5k walk/run and the 2 mile run that morning.  The first time I ever heard Chris Spielman speak publicly, I was a senior in high school and he was a senior in college.  I had been awarded a college scholarship and was invited to attend a luncheon to receive it.  All manner of "grand pubahs" stood behind the podium and talked about excellence and achievement, but it was when Chris Spielman addressed the attendees that I really listened.  I still chuckle when I think back and remember the obvious sweat stains on his button down shirt.  Clearly, this 21 year old who was known for his intimidating power on the football field was nervous beyond words to speak in front of that room full of people.

Kevin gave Owen a lift to see the OSU Marching Band a little better.


Jenna hoped to sneak some of her Dad's coffee.


On a brisk morning, Evan was thinking he'd rather be home and still in bed!

Here I come...

...and there I go!

A great day. 
A great event. 
A great cause. 
Hope I can get some friends to join me next year!

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